Minnesota Legislature from Minnesota Public Radio

Along ND border, Minn. business owners say higher taxes hurt

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 04:00:00 -0500

Business owner Brady Olson criticizes state legislators for increasing property, sales, gasoline and cigarette taxes. Olson and other business owners in northwest Minnesota say those higher taxes make it difficult for them to compete with businesses in North Dakota, where the booming economy has allowed legislators to cut taxes.

After legislative inaction, changes could loom for sex offender program

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 04:00:00 -0500

The future of Minnesota's sex offender program may become clearer this summer. The state has long been criticized for its program, which indefinitely holds sex offenders whom judges in county courts think might commit new crimes, even after the offenders have served their sentences. Lawmakers did not change the program during the session that recently ended, and that could mean the federal courts will soon force the state to act.

Republicans eye 2014 run for Minn. 6th District seat

Thu, 30 May 2013 07:55:00 -0500

At least eight Minnesota Republicans are considering a run for the 6th District congressional seat that Rep. Michele Bachmann is leaving at the end of her fourth term.

Mike McFadden steps up against Sen. Franken

Thu, 30 May 2013 06:54:00 -0500

Minnesota business executive Mike McFadden announced today that he'll be a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in 2014. He is the first GOP candidate to announce he will try to unseat incumbent Democrat Sen. Al Franken.

Minn. child care union fight shifts to court

Wed, 29 May 2013 08:43:22 -0500

A group of in-home child care providers and a conservative group plan to file a lawsuit Wednesday aimed at stopping a new law that allows state subsidized child care providers and personal care workers to unionize. Gov. Dayton signed the bill into law last week after a contentious debate in the Legislature.

GOP pokes at Peterson on healthcare and the IRS

Tue, 28 May 2013 18:39:18 -0500

U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson is one of four House Democrats who are the target of a Republican campaign this week to draw attention to the Internal Revenue Service scandal while also getting a hit in on the federal affordable care act.

Dayton signs union bill; opponents prepare lawsuit

Sun, 26 May 2013 10:43:27 -0500

Gov. Mark Dayton has signed into law a bill that allows government-subsidized in-home child care providers and personal care assistants to unionize. One of the main groups that opposed the legislation says it will likely file suit Wednesday.

PoliGraph: Tax bill raises taxes on some, not all

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:11:11 -0500

This year's legislative session may be over, but that doesn't mean you'll be hearing less from state lawmakers.

Gov. Dayton vetoes portion of Legacy bill

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:36:59 -0500

Two outdoor projects in the Legacy bill passed by the Legislature have been line-item vetoed by Gov. Mark Dayton: one which provides funding for habitat in the metro area and the other which targets aquatic invasive species. The governor says he responded to citizen pressure to drop funding for the two items.

Dayton's income tax draws complaints, praise from state's top earners

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:04:20 -0500

A key source of revenue in the Minnesota's freshly minted budget is a new higher income tax rate that the top 2 percent of earners will pay. The tax increase moves the top rate from nearly 8 percent to 9.85 percent.

Environmental interests see gains in legislative session

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

The just-completed legislative session stands apart from others by the availability of new money for the environment. After years of budget cuts and reallocations, state agencies now get a boost in funding, and a mandate to use it effectively.

What Minneapolis and St. Paul won at the Legislature

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:43:05 -0500

Minnesota's two largest cities can count on millions of dollars in new state money as they plan their budgets for next year. The DFL strongholds clearly benefited from the party's total control of state government this session.

Richard Carlbom: 'Quiet,' 'brilliant' general behind Minnesota's same-sex marriage law

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:36:25 -0500

Richard Carlbom led Minnesotans United for All Families to two historic victories: the defeat of a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage last November, and the recent passage of the same-sex marriage bill.

Dayton signs bill funding all-day K, early childhood education

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:29:02 -0500

Gov. Mark Dayton signed an education budget bill Wednesday that boosts funding for public schools over the next two years, funds all-day kindergarten statewide for the first time and retools high school testing requirements.

Democrats, Republicans push their take on the legislative session

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:22:05 -0500

DFL leaders said they'd ended years of chronic budget and financial problems for the state. Republicans called the five-month session a political blunder of historic proportions.

Dayton hails results of session as 'progress'

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:22:46 -0500

This morning, the governor touted results including statewide all-day kindergarten and financial support for Rochester to help with the Mayo Clinic's Destination Medical Center plan.

What's cut, kept in divisive Legacy bill

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:36:16 -0500

The $496 million Legacy bill lawmakers sent to Gov. Mark Dayton on Monday received the most 'no' votes ever recorded for spending through the amendment voters approved in 2008 to send sales tax money to clean water, the outdoors, arts and parks.

Sportsmen, outdoors council: Legacy bill sets bad precedent

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:58:39 -0500

The Nature Conservancy and nearly two dozen other habitat and sportsmen's groups are asking Gov. Mark Dayton to veto part of the Legacy bill after lawmakers added projects that weren't recommended by the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.

Political spin begins as 2013 session ends

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:56:05 -0500

Gov. Mark Dayton and legislative leaders will shift from policy to politics today, now that the 2013 session is over. Dayton will hold a press conference this morning, while Republican lawmakers will travel the state to give their spin on the session.

Budget in hand, Legislature adjourns

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:04:36 -0500

The last votes included the Senate's passage of a massive tax bill, and House approval of a measure to finance state government operations. Both votes were delayed most of the final day by negotiations on a new, smaller bonding bill that covers repairs on the State Capitol.

Anti-bullying bill will return next year, supporters say

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

Supporters of a move to strengthen Minnesota's anti-bullying law say they will push the issue again next session. A bill that would have required schools to track cases of bullying and better train staff to deal with bullying was pulled from consideration early Monday morning, as it faced a filibuster from Republicans who had concerns over the cost of the measure.

Legislature sends pared down-bonding bill to Dayton

Mon, 20 May 2013 23:16:05 -0500

The Minnesota Legislature Monday night passed a bill to pay for State Capitol renovations. The pared-down bonding bill includes $109 million to make extensive repairs to the State Capitol, as well as funding for flood mitigation projects and the Minneapolis veteran's home.

Minn. lawmakers approve State Capitol bonds, also includes flood projects

Mon, 20 May 2013 20:03:31 -0500

The Minnesota Legislature Monday night passed a bill to pay for State Capitol renovations. The new, smaller bonding bill includes $109 million to make extensive repairs to the State Capitol, as well as funding for flood mitigation projects, parking at the Capitol and the Minneapolis veteran's home. The Legislature faces a constitutional deadline of midnight to complete its business.

Legacy bill goes with commission's parks recommendations

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:20:08 -0500

Parks in the Twin Cities metro area won't get a bigger piece of the Legacy bill's parks pie, but lawmakers decided the metro should get more outdoors money.

Minn. House finally passes daycare union bill

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:55:25 -0500

The House concluded a debate that stretched over a couple of days over the unionization of two groups of government-subsidized workers.

Tougher disclosure rules dropped from campaign finance bill

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:11:54 -0500

Three provisions have been dropped from a campaign finance bill that would have required some political groups to say more about where their money is coming from and how it is being spent.

Clock ticks down to end of legislative session: live coverage

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:04:17 -0500

The clock is ticking down for the Minnesota Legislature as its members work to pass a budgets and other key measures. We're live-blogging the developments

Budget in limbo with legislative deadline just hours away

Mon, 20 May 2013 06:02:37 -0500

Members spent most of the weekend working to pass pieces of a two-year, $38.3 billion budget -- the main work of the session. The House passed the tax bill that finances that spending earlier Monday morning after a six-hour debate by a 69-65 margin.

How lawmakers cope with long hours in session

Sun, 19 May 2013 18:48:06 -0500

Legislators at the Minnesota Capitol have worked marathon hours this weekend as they raced to finish work on the new two-year state budget before the mandated end of the session on Monday at midnight. We talked to one lawmaker about how he and his colleagues handle the long hours.

Enviro budget bill requires DNR approval for frac sand mining

Sun, 19 May 2013 09:43:33 -0500

Companies looking to mine frac sand in Minnesota would need to get approval from the Department of Natural Resources. The requirement was part of an environment budget bill passed by the Legislature on Saturday night.

Minn. House passes K-12 finance bill

Sun, 19 May 2013 09:35:44 -0500

The Minnesota House passed a K-12 finance bill that would increase funding by $485 million for all-day kindergarten, special education, early childhood education and the classroom.

Minn. lawmakers take budget debate down to wire

Sun, 19 May 2013 09:12:55 -0500

The final pieces of Minnesota's next two-year, $38 billion budget were falling into place Sunday as state lawmakers clocked long hours and held a succession of late-night debates at the Capitol. By late afternoon, lawmakers had sent six of nine major budget bills to Gov. Mark Dayton.

House and Senate OK HHS bill with 5 percent hike for nursing homes

Sat, 18 May 2013 11:43:38 -0500

The Minnesota Legislature has passed a health and human services budget bill that increases funding for nursing homes and other long-term care facilities by 5 percent over the next two years.

PoliGraph: Bachmann health premium claim leaves out key details

Fri, 17 May 2013 20:01:35 -0500

On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted for the 37th time to undo the new healthcare law - a bill sponsored by Sixth Congressional District Rep. Michele Bachmann. But the vote was largely symbolic; the Senate has no plans to pass the bill.

House approves legislator pay constitutional amendment

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:58:20 -0500

The Minnesota House has passed a proposed constitutional amendment that would let voters decide whether an outside group should determine pay for legislators.

Minn. House defeats construction projects bill

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:23:47 -0500

Republicans in the Minnesota House have blocked an $800 million package of public construction projects from moving forward this year, including the next phase of renovation work on the State Capitol.

MN House OKs limits on auto license tracking

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:07:51 -0500

The Minnesota House has voted to place strict limits on a technology police departments use to track the location of vehicles.

Minnesota budget deal: Higher taxes for top earners, smokers

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:10:22 -0500

Minnesota would have the fourth highest income tax rate in the nation under a deal reached by Gov. Mark Dayton and DFL legislative leaders.

With clock ticking, big differences remain in Capitol budget bills

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:39:39 -0500

Significant differences remain in the tax bill, and DFL leaders appear willing to throw in the towel on a minimum wage increase.

Video: Gay rights pioneers Jack Baker and Michael McConnell predicted marriage victory in '70s

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:15:00 -0500

Jack Baker and Michael McConnell, two Minneapolis men who first fought for marriage equality in the 1970s, have kept a low profile this week. But decades ago on TV, they predicted this moment would come.

Minn. lawmakers sort out tax increase details

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

Leading Minnesota lawmakers have sorted out a tax package that is the linchpin of the next state budget.

Tax subsidies aimed at specific companies to encourage job creation

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

A jobs and economic development budget bill headed to the Minnesota Senate cuts the unemployment insurance tax for businesses, provides funding for job training and spends taxpayer money to jumpstart business expansion in the state.

Minn. primed to put firms on hook during lockouts

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:54:53 -0500

Minnesota lawmakers are primed to adopt legislation giving idled workers longer-lasting jobless benefits when locked out by their companies in labor fights.

Lawmakers end push to open voting early

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:51:13 -0500

Minnesota Democrats are giving up for the year on a push to change election law so people could start voting weeks before Election Day.

Crime lab accreditation bill appears dead for this legislative session

Wed, 15 May 2013 19:32:16 -0500

A conference committee at the state Legislature rejected a bill this week that would require accreditation for crime labs.

Marathon debate could set tone for final days at Capitol

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:03:24 -0500

A 17-hour debate in the Minnesota Senate over the unionization of child care providers and personal care assistants could be just a taste of things to come in the closing days of the legislative session.

Minn. taxes on way up, but details still up for debate

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:26:33 -0500

Minnesota taxes will rise by more than $2 billion in the next two-year state budget, but who pays how much on what is still being hammered out as the Legislature speeds toward a Monday deadline for the session's adjournment. Here's a look at what is known and what is left to be decided on the tax plan.

MN Senate passes daycare unionization bill

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:10:36 -0500

The Minnesota Senate has passed a bill allowing the unionization of home child-care workers in Minnesota after an all-night debate that saw Republicans trying to block the bill.

Photos: Thousands gather as Minn. same-sex marriage bill signed into law

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:45:49 -0500

Thousands of cheering spectators filled the south lawn of the State Capitol, with rainbow and American flags fluttering in a sweltering breeze.

FAQ: Same-sex marriage law

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:17:45 -0500

Minnesota's law allowing same-sex marriage goes into effect Aug. 1. On that day, same-sex couples can apply for a marriage license in Minnesota.

Heavy lifting on budget still needed at Capitol

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:20:52 -0500

With the same-sex marriage bill now passed and signed into law, state lawmakers are again turning their attention to passing a state budget before next Monday's scheduled session adjournment.

Dayton signs same-sex marriage bill at Capitol ceremony

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:10:34 -0500

Gov. Mark Dayton has signed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in Minnesota. Thousands of cheering spectators filled the south lawn of the state Capitol for the outdoor ceremony, with rainbow and American flags fluttering in a sweltering breeze.

LIVE VIDEO: Watch Gov. Dayton sign same-sex marriage bill

Tue, 14 May 2013 16:48:24 -0500

Watch Gov. Mark Dayton sign a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in Minnesota.

Dayton signs same-sex marriage bill: live coverage

Tue, 14 May 2013 16:08:47 -0500

Minnesota is now the 12th state in the country to allow same-sex marriage. Follow our live blog for the latest coverage.

DFL lawmaker: Compromise reached on frac sand regulations

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:46:51 -0500

The lawmaker who has pushed this year for tougher state regulation of the frac sand mining industry on Tuesday said DFL legislative leaders have reached a compromise on the legislation.

Scaled-back gun bill moves ahead in Minn. Senate

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:54:59 -0500

A significantly scaled-back plan to revise Minnesota's gun laws advanced toward a final Senate vote after receiving the blessing Tuesday of a vocal gun-rights group.

Same-sex marriage splits opinions in Rochester, Olmsted County

Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

The divisive vote on same-sex marriage could be an indicator into how some parts of the state are changing politically.

Same-sex marriage opponents, supporters say they will remember how legislators voted

Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

Thousands of people flooded the Capitol to witness that historic moment the state Senate passed the bill legalizing same-sex marriage in Minnesota. Some came to celebrate it. Others came to protest.

Same-sex marriage supporters jubilant; opponents say issue not settled

Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

Gov. Mark Dayton is scheduled to sign a bill Tuesday afternoon that will legalize same-sex marriage in Minnesota. But opponents of the legislation argue even though they lost this round the issue is not settled.

Same-sex marriage: Reaction from Minnesota residents

Mon, 13 May 2013 18:34:06 -0500

As the Minnesota Senate debated the same-sex marriage bill Monday, some of our reporters in greater Minnesota asked state residents what they thought of the legislation.

Minn. Senate approves same-sex marriage; sends to Dayton

Mon, 13 May 2013 16:12:16 -0500

The Minnesota Senate Monday voted to legalize same-sex marriage, sending the measure to Gov. Mark Dayton, who plans to sign it into law in a ceremony Tuesday evening. The Senate's 37-30 vote came three days after the House also approved the legislation allowing same-sex couples to be legally married in the state.

Small businesses wonder what health overhaul has in store for them

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:56:49 -0500

Organizations representing small business have been among the sharpest critics of the federal health care overhaul. But the opposition is not universal. Some small business owners in Minnesota hope they'll find new health insurance options thanks to the law and MNSURE, the new state new online insurance marketplace it created.

Paulsen rules out run for US Senate or MN gov.

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:23:34 -0500

Republican U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen has ruled out a run for the U.S. Senate or for governor of Minnesota.

Photos: Senate passes same-sex marriage bill

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:50:26 -0500

The Minnesota Senate on Monday joined the House in approving a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. Gov. Mark Dayton will sign the bill into law Tuesday. Minnesota will be the 12th state to legalize same-sex marriage and the first Midwestern state to do so via legislative action.

LIVE VIDEO: Watch the Senate's same-sex marriage debate

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:15:13 -0500

Live video of the Minnesota Senate's debate over the same-sex marriage bill.

GOP leader Hann disagrees with district on same-sex marriage vote

Mon, 13 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

Minnesota Senate will vote today on a bill to legalize same-sex marriage. Many lawmakers are taking positions that conflict with the way the majority of their constituents voted last fall on the amendment to define marriage in the state Constitution. That could spell re-election trouble.

Clean Water Accountability Act expected to pass Legislature this week

Mon, 13 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

Forty percent of Minnesota's lakes and rivers are too polluted to fish or swim in. Minnesota's current approach to water cleanup is not working effectively, and a measure is expected to pass in the state Legislature to ensure better accountability.

Dayton, DFL leaders agree on budget targets

Sun, 12 May 2013 15:43:22 -0500

Gov. Mark Dayton and the Legislature's top Democrats have reached a budget deal that includes income tax increases on wealthier Minnesotans and a cigarette tax increase, and aims to provide property tax relief.

The Minnesota same-sex marriage bill, in context

Sun, 12 May 2013 10:45:08 -0500

A look at how the bill works, who it could affect, what got the state got to this point, and where Minnesota falls in spread of same-sex marriage around the country and worldwide.

Bill mandating solar energy from utility companies passes Senate

Fri, 10 May 2013 17:18:39 -0500

A bill that would require investor-owned utilities to provide at least 1 percent of their power through solar generation by late 2025 has been approved in the Minnesota Senate.

For Minn., big changes on same-sex marriage in short amount of time

Fri, 10 May 2013 16:26:02 -0500

With Minnesota now poised to become the 12th state to legalize same sex marriage it's worth pausing a moment to consider how we got here.

Minn. April tax haul up by $153M

Fri, 10 May 2013 14:01:37 -0500

Minnesota's tax haul for April was $153 million better than forecasters had expected, a strong month that probably has little effect on the trajectory of legislative budget talks.

Historic same-sex marriage vote brings emotional crowd to Capitol

Fri, 10 May 2013 07:15:06 -0500

Same sex-marriage, an issue that's dominated Minnesota politics for two years, may soon become a reality after a state House vote on Thursday. And as lawmakers debated the issue, thousands of people representing opposing views filled the Capitol rotunda, hoping to influence the historic moment.

Many proposed frac sand mines would fail 'trout stream' test

Thu, 09 May 2013 22:30:18 -0500

Legislation that would prohibit frac sand mining within a mile of a trout stream or spring in southeastern Minnesota would prevent at least 10 proposed frac sand mines in the region from being developed, show an MPR News analysis.

Legislators brace for marriage vote fallout

Thu, 09 May 2013 21:30:00 -0500

Same-sex marriage is a big step closer to being legal in Minnesota, with Thursday's state House vote 75-59 in favor. But groups on both sides of the issue are already measuring the political fallout from the vote and what it will mean for next year's election.

Panel: Tuition change for Minn. students

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:02:37 -0500

A committee of faculty, students and staff is recommending Minnesota students attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison pay out-of-state tuition.

Vikings ink deal with University to play in TCF Bank Stadium

Thu, 09 May 2013 18:19:03 -0500

The Minnesota Vikings have struck a deal to play at the University of Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium for two years. A 70-page document hashes out details of the agreement, including the cost of the Vikings' lease on the stadium to what players can drink on the sidelines. The team even makes peace between Coca-Cola and Pepsi.

Highlights of the Minnesota House debate on same-sex marriage

Thu, 09 May 2013 15:46:35 -0500

Hear extended excerpts of many state representatives speaking for and against the same-sex marriage bill that passed the Minnesota House on May 9, 2013 by a vote of 75-59.

Minn. House passes same-sex marriage bill

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:54:31 -0500

Six months after Minnesotans rejected a constitutional amendment that would have banned same-sex marriage, the Minnesota House Thursday made an historic turn, voting to legalize same-sex marriage in Minnesota.

Photos: Passions high at Capitol for same-sex marriage House vote

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:27:33 -0500

Less than six months after a GOP-backed Minnesota constitutional amendment aimed at banning same-sex marriage failed at the polls, the new Democratic-led Legislature voted Thursday, May 9, 2013, to legalize it. As lawmakers debated and voted, thousands of supporters and opponents of the bill rallied in the Capitol's rotunda.

Same-sex marriage comes to vote in state House: Live blog

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:38:03 -0500

Less than six months after a Republican-backed Minnesota constitutional amendment aimed at banning same-sex marriage failed at the polls, the new Democratic-led Legislature is set to vote on a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. Follow the historic debate and vote in the House on our live blog.

Radinovich's stand on marriage could cost him job, voters say

Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

For many of those in the Minnesota House of Representatives, today's vote on legalized same-sex marriage carries significant political risk. In Aitkin last year, a solid majority of people voted for the constitutional amendment that would have banned same-sex marriage. Even so, the first-term representative from the area has indicated he will vote for legalizing same-sex marriage.

Crowd gathers in advance of House vote on same-sex marriage

Wed, 08 May 2013 20:23:15 -0500

Big crowds are expected at the Minnesota Capitol Thursday as the Minnesota House prepares to vote on a bill to legalize same-sex marriage.

Minn. Senate passes minimum wage increase

Wed, 08 May 2013 20:18:33 -0500

A minimum wage increase is another step closer to being passed, but the hourly rate has not been decided on yet by legislators.

Tax bump cut from transportation bill

Wed, 08 May 2013 17:13:11 -0500

The Senate Tax Committee voted Wednesday to strip out tax increases from the transportation finance bill.

Senate OKs bill easing lawsuits for child sexual abuse

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:39:07 -0500

The Minnesota Senate unanimously passed a bill Wednesday that would allow lawsuits against churches, schools and other organizations that may have covered up child sexual abuse decades ago.

Minn. Senate to vote on minimum wage

Wed, 08 May 2013 07:00:47 -0500

The Minnesota Senate is ready to vote on a bill to bump up the state's minimum wage, although not as fast as House lawmaking counterparts want.

Same-sex marriage bill heads to House floor, supporters confident

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:51:34 -0500

The Minnesota Legislature is close to deciding whether to legalize same-sex marriage.

As same-sex marriage nears vote in Legislature, Minnesotans weigh in

Tue, 07 May 2013 08:48:45 -0500

A bill to legalize same-sex marriage has been scheduled for a floor vote in the Minnesota House on Thursday. MPR News asked Minnesotans if they feel the state has engaged in enough of a conversation about marriage. We asked members of our Public Insight Network about their views on same-sex marriage and received more than 150 responses. Here is a sampling of their views.

Anti-bullying bill passes House, moves to Senate

Tue, 07 May 2013 07:10:19 -0500

The Minnesota House has passed a bill requiring all public school districts to create policies aimed at reducing bullying.

Same-sex marriage bill clears Minn. House committee

Tue, 07 May 2013 07:00:03 -0500

The second-to-last week of Minnesota's legislative session started Monday with attention growing around the definition of marriage, as the bill to open it up to same-sex couples headed into what could be a pivotal week at the Capitol.

Unionization bill fails in tied commitee vote

Mon, 06 May 2013 18:02:58 -0500

Legislation allowing for the unionization of two groups of workers failed on a tie vote Monday in a Minnesota Senate committee.

Anti-bullying bill up for House debate

Mon, 06 May 2013 06:26:42 -0500

The bill revamps Minnesota's anti-bullying law, which at 37 words is considered one of the weakest in the nation.

New hearing for same-sex marriage bill

Sun, 05 May 2013 11:11:49 -0500

The Minnesota House has scheduled another committee hearing for Monday for a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in Minnesota, after a fiscal analysis found legalizing same-sex marriage would cost the state money.

Minn. House passes minimum wage bill

Fri, 03 May 2013 16:25:15 -0500

The Minnesota House is taking up a bill Friday that would increase the state minimum wage to $9.50 an hour by 2015, and provide for automatic inflationary increases in the future.

Rural Dem to vote for same-sex marriage bill

Fri, 03 May 2013 14:10:06 -0500

A Democrat who was on the fence as to whether to support a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in Minnesota says he will vote for the bill.

Daycare unionization bill heads to Minn. House floor

Fri, 03 May 2013 08:40:50 -0500

Legislation to allow for the unionization of in-home child care providers and personal care assistants cleared its final Minnesota House committee Thursday night, and is headed for a floor vote.

Medical marijuana bill outlined, but debate waits

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

Supporters of legalizing marijuana for medical use put their plan forward at Minnesota's Capitol on Thursday even though the major debate will wait until next year.

Lawmaker pay raise rests with committee

Thu, 02 May 2013 08:32:59 -0500

A pay raise plan for Minnesota elected officials is a key point of difference as a House-Senate panel begins negotiations on a state agency budget bill.

Child Victims Act passes Minn. House; still not done deal

Wed, 01 May 2013 20:54:24 -0500

House lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favor of a bill that extends the statute of limitations for victims of child sexual abuse to sue abusers and institutions that failed to protect them.